dmg::events’ Galen Poss Named SISO’s Robert L. Krakoff Industry Award of Excellence Honoree
April 24, 2018
The Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) has awarded the trade show for-profit industry’s most prestigious award, the “Robert L. Krakoff Industry Award of Excellence” to Galen Poss, vice chairman of dmg::events.
“SISO is proud to announce the winner of the 2018 R L Krakoff Award is Galen Poss,” said Tony Calanca, executive vice president of Exhibitions for UBM.
He added, “Galen has demonstrated in his more than two decades of work in the face-to-face industry his leadership, professionalism, dedication to the industry, and his humanity. We could not be happier than to have Galen carry the banner of being this year’s award winner.
Upon accepting the award, Poss said he when he thought about the people who had accepted the award in the past, “It was humbling.”
He added that he stood there that day “Because of the people in the room. I stand here today because of a terrific woman.”
Poss joined dmg events in January 2011 after spending ten years as President of Hanley Wood Exhibitions.
He began his career in events in 1977 with the Greater New Orleans Tourist and Convention Commission.
In 1983, he founded Precision Planning & Sales (PPS) Inc, an exhibitions management company, which he sold to Miller Freeman in 1993, where he served as Group President for the Dallas Division prior to joining Hanley Wood in January 2000.
This award is named in honor of a legend of the industry, Robert L. Krakoff, who built and ran some of the most successful businesses in the exhibition industry.
It is the only award that SISO gives out, and it is only given to the most impactful leaders of for-profit businesses in the exhibition and event industry.
Some of the past award recipients include Charlie McCurdy, CEO of Informa; Britton Jones, Chairman & CEO, NXT Events Media Group, LLC; and Nancy Hasselback, retired president and CEO of Diversified Business Communications.
SISO members include companies, corporations and other for-profit entities that own, produce or provide full-service management of “face to face” trade shows, consumer shows, expositions, conferences, and events. SISO membership is a combination of large corporations and small entrepreneurial enterprises that do business around the world
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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